2006 Pinot Noir West Block
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Tasting notes
Ruby-red. Ripe red and dark berry aromas are complicated by cracked pepper, bitter chocolate and fresh rose. Round and sappy, offering juicy raspberry and blackcurrant flavors, with silky tannins contributing shape and grip. Gains sweetness on the long, spicy, raspberry-suffused finish. The fruit here is wonderfully pure and energetic, and I couldn't find any rough edges.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Revealing intense black raspberry, kirsch liqueur, forest floor, and spring flower-like aromas and flavors, the deep, medium to full-bodied 2006 Pinot Noir West Block possesses good acidity and silky tannins. This intense, elegant 2006 should drink nicely for 7-8 years. In 2006, there is even a smaller amount of wine from Tom Rochioli than usual. Yields were so small and there was so little wine from the Three Corner Vineyard that it was blended with the East Block Pinot. Rochioli sells the majority of the fruit from their 140 acres of vineyards in the Russian River to other producers, which I find remarkable given the quality of what winemaker Tom Rochioli is able to achieve in addition to his superb vineyard sites. Previously recommended: 2005 Chardonnay Estate (92), 2005 Chardonnay Rachael’s Vineyard (96), 2005 Chardonnay River Block (95), 2005 Chardonnay South River (94), 2005 Pinot Noir East Block (94), 2005 Pinot Noir Estate (91), 2005 Pinot Noir Little Hill Vineyard (94), 2005 Pinot Noir Three Corner Vineyard (93), 2005 Pinot Noir West Block (97). Tel. (707) 433-2305; Fax (707) 433-2358